There has been talk over the last couple months about Apple's plans to bring some Mac manufacturing back to the United States. Asymco's Horace Dediu takes a look today at their plans to do the opposite with their new Apple Store builds. Given the growth opportunities for Apple in foreign markets, the build out can't take place soon enough.
Really fascinating stuff.
I know which store I'd want to invest in.
I still believe the short lived tenure of John Browett as the head of Apple Retail is the largest black mark on Tim Cook's tenure as CEO of Apple. Horace Dediu takes a look at this situation today in a post on Asymco. His finishing question is the one I'd love to see an explanation to.
If the latest story published by infoAppleStore.com is to be believed, Apple under Tim Cook is shifting the focus of their amazing retail stores away from customer experience towards the bottom line. If this were to happen under a normal CEO with an operations background, it would be very credible.
But this is Tim Cook we're talking about. The same guy who worked with Steve for all those years. The same guy who always mentions the satisfaction of Apple customers in every interview or public statement. I don't believe it. But maybe it's because I don't want to. If true, it's a canary in the coal mine. The first tangible proof that Apple's success in the absence of Steve is fragile.
Regardless, the situation warrants a close eye.
Apple has been on a great streak over the last 10 years. That success has been based on great products, and arguably better customer service. Anyone who's walked into an Apple Store knows what I'm talking about.
That's what makes the recent report of cuts to Apple's store staff and the reasoning behind it so distressing. Josh Browett has been the head of retail for less than six months, replacing the excellent Ron Johnson who departed to head up JC Penny. This debacle is a serious strike one against Browett continuing in his current role at Apple. I favor his removal immediately because it shows a fundamental lack of understanding for what makes Apple, Apple.
I'll let Jim Dalrymple have the final word.
Carmine Gallo writing on his Forbes blog:
The Apple Store pays attention to every detail. You might think that Apple positions all its notebook computers for aesthetic reasons. That’s partly true.
You need to read the link to discover the real reason. Brilliant!